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The bull lurcher had distinctive scars on its jaws from an encounter with a badger. If you know the owner, call the Scottish SPCA hotline on 03000 999 999 (Image: SSPCA)

She had no collar when she was found on April 21, hiding under a car in the Sandilands area. The following day, a bull lurcher crossbreed dog was found with similar injuries in Gretna. He was being treated by vets in Carlisle.

The Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit believe our story is flushing out potential ringleaders.

The dogs picked up by the SSPCA showed injuries consistent with badger baiting - if you know the owners call the Scottish SPCA hotline on 03000 999 99 (Image: SSPCA)

The animal charity also supplied the Record with a video of a badger being baited by dogs similar to those abandoned.

A dead badger is photographed as a trophy by baiters

A dog with typical injuries inflicted by a badger

Their spokesman said: “When the second dog turned up within 24 hours, we came to the confident conclusion that the dogs have been set loose to avoid their owners being prosecuted for the offences described in the Record.

“The exposure in the Record could help us put the squeeze on ringleaders.

“The owners of animals kept for fighting and hunting do not use vets. They let the animals take their chances with injury – that often leads to weeks of agony before they die.

The Record recently told of neds hunting deer with dogs

“At least the discovery of these dogs has saved them from that protracted fate.”

Our story told how gangs hunt in the dark at graveyards, golf courses and public parks where herds of roe deer have made their home.

This bull lurcher was used to attack badgers after they were dug out of their sett (Image: SSPCA)

Their dogs kill anything they encounter, from foxes and badgers to domestic cats and stray dogs.

● If you have information on the two dogs, call the Scottish SPCA hotline on 03000 999 999.